Africa
Liberia
Heads up before you go
Liberia runs largely on cash and mobile money. Card acceptance is rare outside major hotels, and digital coverage is limited — plan to carry US dollars and Liberian dollars.
Payments1
Apple Pay
Use instead: Cash / mobile money (USSD)
Card terminals are rare. Most transactions are cash (USD & LRD) or carrier mobile money via USSD codes.
Messaging1
No direct substitute
WhatsApp is the main way people communicate in Liberia where data is available.
Maps & Navigation1
Google Maps
Use instead: Offline maps (maps.me)
Coverage is thin outside Monrovia. Download offline maps before you travel.
Ride-hailing1
Uber
Use instead: Private car service · kekeh (tuk-tuk) or yellow taxis if you're feeling adventurous
No Uber in Liberia. A private car service is the best option; if you're a little more daring, kekehs (tuk-tuks) and the local yellow taxis get you around too.
Internet Access1
Mobile data
Use instead: Local SIM (Orange / Lonestar)
Roaming is expensive and patchy. A local prepaid SIM (Orange / Lonestar) is the practical option for data — SIM registration may be required, so bring your passport.
Social Media Access1
Facebook / Instagram / WhatsApp
No direct substitute
All major social apps work; Facebook and WhatsApp are especially widely used.